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TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Photographic 
Sciences 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microieproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


«■ 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notaa/Notas  tachniquaa  at  bibliographiquaa 


Tha  Instituta  has  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  bast 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Faaturas  o'i  this 
copy  which  may  ba  bibiiographically  uniqua. 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  changa 
tha  usual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chackad  balow. 


D 


Colourad  covars/ 
Couvariura  da  couiaur 


I      I    Covars  damagad/ 


Couvartura  andommagte 


□    Covars  rastorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Couvartura  rastauria  at/ou  pallicul^ 

□    Covar  titia  miasing/ 
La  titra  da  couvartura  manqua 


I      I    Colourad  mapa/ 


D 


Cartaa  giographiquaa  w\  couiaur 

Colourad  ink  (i.a.  othar  than  blua  or  black)/ 
Encra  da  couiaur  (i.a.  autra  qua  blaua  ou  noira) 


pn    Colourad  plataa  snd/or  illuatrstions/ 


a 


n 


n 


Planchaa  at/ou  illustrations  •n  couiaur 


Bound  with  othar  matarial/ 
Ralii  avac  d'autras  documanta 


Tight  binding  may  causa  shadows  or  distortion 
along  intarior  margin/ 

La  re  liura  sarria  paut  causar  da  I'ombra  ou  da  la 
diatorsion  la  long  da  !a  marge  intAriaura 

Blank  laavas  addad  during  rastoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  theae 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  oeut  que  certainaa  pagea  bianchea  ajoutiaa 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaiaaant  dana  la  taxta. 
maia,  lorsqua  cala  itait  possible,  cas  pages  n'ont 
pea  ixh  filmias. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplAmantaires; 


L'Institut  a  microfilm*  la  meilleur  exemplaira 
f\\t'u  lui  a  At*  possible  da  sa  procurer.  Las  details 
de  cet  exemplaira  qui  sont  peut-itra  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique.  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  una 
modification  dans  la  m^thoda  normale  de  fiimage 
sont  indiqute  ci-dessous. 


T 
t( 


j      I   Coloured  pages/ 


Pagaa  da  couiaur 

Pagaa  damaged/ 
Pagaa  andommagiaa 


n    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaur4«s  at/ou  peilicuiies 

r~T^ Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
LJlJ    Pages  dicolor^es,  tachat^es  ou  piquiaa 

r~|    Pages  detached/ 


Pages  ditach^as 

Showthrough> 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Quaiiti  in^gala  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  matarii 
Comprend  du  material  supplamentaira 

Only  edition  available/ 
Saula  Mition  disponible 


r~7j    Showthrough/ 

j~7^  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

rn    Includes  supplementary  material/ 

r~|    Only  edition  available/ 


D 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Lea  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  uns  paiure, 
etc..  ont  hx^  fiimies  A  nouveau  da  fapon  & 
obtanir  la  mailleure  image  possible. 


T 

P 
o 

fl 


G 

b 

tl 

SI 

o 

fi 

SI 

o 


T 

si 

T 

M 

IVI 
di 
ei 
b4 
ri! 
ra 
m 


This  itpm  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  reduction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 

IPX  14X   18X 22X 

y 


26X 


30X 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


Th«  copy  filmed  h«r«  has  b««n  r«produc«d  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 


L'axamplaira  filing  fut  raproduit  grica  '^ 
gAnirositi  da: 


Manuscript  Division 
Public  Archives  of  Canada 

Tha  imagaa  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  eoRsidaring  tha  condition  and  iagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  Icaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacificationa. 


Original  copiaa  in  printad  papar  covara  ara  fiimad 
beginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  page  with  3  printed  or  iHustrsted  impres- 
sion, or  the  bacic  covar  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  iieginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printad  or  illustrated  imprea- 
sion,  and  anding  on  the  last  page  with  a  printad 
or  illu8tra*ad  impression. 


The  laat  recorded  frame  on  each  micros che 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbo(  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  appliaa. 

Mapa,  platea.  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratioa.  Thoae  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  expoaure  are  filmed 
beginning  In  the  upper  left  hand  comer,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  aa  many  framea  aa 
required.  The  following  diagrama  iiluatrate  the 
method: 


Division  dM  manuscrits 
Archives  publiques  du  Canada 

Lee  Imegea  suivantes  ont  tti  reproduitea  avac  la 
plua  grand  soin,  compta  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
da  la  netteti  de  I'exempiaire  film«,  et  w 
conformity  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
fllmage. 

Lea  exemplairae  origineux  dont  la  couvarture  an 
papier  eet  imprim4a  sont  filmte  an  commandant 
par  !a  premier  plat  at  an  terminant  soit  par  la 
demiAre  page  qui  comporte  une  ampreinte 
d'Impreesion  ou  d 'illustration,  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  sutres  axempiairea 
origineux  sont  fiimis  an  commandant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
dlmpreeaion  uu  d'llluatration  et  9n  terminant  par' 
la  darni^re  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  dee  symbolee  suivants  apparaftra  sur  la 
demlAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
caa:  la  symbols  — »>  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Lee  cartee.  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvant  dtre 
filmte  i  dee  taux  de  rMuction  diff«rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtra 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  il  set  fiimi  i  partir 
de  I'angie  sup4rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  il  droite. 
et  de  haut  an  baa,  en  prenant  la  .lombra 
d'images  nteessaire.  Lea  diagrammes  suivants 
iliustrent  la  m^thode. 


1  2  3 


12  3 

4  5  6 


I 


1  7  7  P 


Sj.i  -Yoj  ara  respect  ully  re.juestad  to  give  such  full  and  complete  replies 
a*?  rmv  bj  witliiu  your  power,  to  tiu  following  questions,  at  as  early  a  day  ai 
l),js.-iil)'l".  in  order  ilia  the  mm  ;  may  ho  submitted  to  tbe  sucvet  committee  ap- 
|»oiiitv;d  by  the  Canadian  C)nviMition  h"ld  on  the  21st  and  22nd  inst.,  at  this 
j)b;%').  and' to  the  sjcrot  s;);:(Mal  c\  icutive  committee  appointed  by  a  convention 
oi"  th'^  Prion  Is  oi  (J  in:i'lian  Lib -rty,  held  at  Auburn  in  January  last,  acting 
son-UMtoIy  or  'oi; -t  icr  in  j  inf  (to  nniiltee,  as  circumstances  may  permit. 

''i'nis  iJttiM-  is  .1  ('onfi  loMitial  communication,  and  is  by  you  and  the  members 
of  the  socic'ty  to  whom  yon  are  to  submit  it,  to  be  so  received.  It  has  been 
con-:id  n-ed  iii  the  convontion  h;r-,  and  has  the  direct  sanction  of  that  body,  as 
a  fit  and  propnr  form  of  application. 

ILn-.^wilh  yon  will  roc;j,vo  a  printed  copy  of  so  much  of  the  or  .ranizalion, 
ron^'itution.  and  special  ruljs  of  the  Canadian  Associ- *,ion  as  it  is  at  present 
dee  n>J  sale  and  prud-jut  by  th)  rlKacutivG  Council  to  lay  before  the  public. 

Qt'KSTlON   FinST. 

Wnit  qum  itv  of  arm;  a.i  I  im  niinition,  or  articles  of  use  and  service  in 
war,  or  naval  or  military  storjs.  are  at  tiie  control  of  your  society,  or  can  be 
obtain<;d  bv  ihem,  or  siluit- 1  i:i  your  nei'^Iiborhood  ?  Des-.ribe  as  accurately 
as  i)Ossiblo"th.^  condition  of  ih  •  society,  and  the  neighborhood,  in  this  respect, 
■an  I  ::^lv0  the  c»m;nilti;e  all  th  ;  information  in  your  power  con^^erning  aims, 
niihlary  stores,  a  id  mi.iili  r.u  o^  war,  o.Tonng  every  useful  suggoslion  in  your 
})Ovver,  for  tiieir  benefit. 

QUi;sri0\     SECOND. 

It  is  believed  that  expe Iti  >n3  have  been  planned,  and  partially  carried  into 
ofiact,  neir  Detroit,  near  Cie/eland,  at  or  near  BuH'iio,  Sa-kett's  Harbor. 
French  Creek.  Lnvistoa,  Oswego,  Loekport,  Watertown,  and  other  places, 
and  that  arms  and  ammunition,  aa  1  other  implements  or  mator'id  of  war,  are 
in  th^  handi  of  individuals,  so(;ieties  or  in  some  way  or  otiier  deposited  and 
set  as:d  J  for  use  at  a  future  period.  Acquaint  this  committee  with  all  particu- 
lars known  to  you,  respecting  such  arms,  ammunition,  &c.,  in  order  that  the 
fullest  knowledge  may  be  o':)tained,  arranged  and  recorded,  of  the  whole  ma- 
teriel of  wir  that  niiii;ht  be  availaole  igcase  of  need. 

The  belligerent  state  of  the  negociaaons  in  Maine,  the  deplorable  condition 
of  Canada,  The  v/arlike  preparations  in  England,  Nova  Scotia  and  New  Bruns- 
wick, the  unpromising  state  o(  the  Caroline  question,  as  to  redress,  th- 
claims  set  up  ot  perpetual  serfdom  to  England  against  the  bodies  of  all 
naturilized  citizens  of  those  states,  who  were  born  in  th  »  British  dominions, 
the  ill  usage,  l-y  the  naval  forces  of  Britain,  of  the  New  England  fishermen, 
and  the  murders  and  cruel  im  irisonments  of  noble  republicans,  both  Canadian 
and  American,  by  the  military  despotisms  on  our  northern  frontier,  indicate  the 
near  approach  of  danger  for  which  Q-snadian  freemen  and  their  true  friends 
ought  silently  to  prepare.  Congress  have  shown  their  sense  of  approaching 
danger  by  a  vote  of  ten  millions  of  money  and  fifty  thousand  volunteers— and 
although'tliat  danger  may  be  more  or  less' remote,  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  its 
realitv. 

QUESTION    THIUD. 

Arm's,  amnunition,  and  m  mitions  of  war  have  been  seized  and  detained  on 
varion'^  occasions,  sueh  as  at  Ogdensburgh,  Oswego,  Buffalo,  Schlosser,  De- 
troit, Front  n  Creek,  and  Lcvviston,  by  United  States'  Marshals,  or  their  depu- 
ties, or  by  military  or  civil  officers,  on  various  pretexts  and  on  a  variety  of  oc- 
casions. Will  you  give  us  all  the  inlbnaation  possible  as  to  where  those  arms 
and  munitions  of  war  are  deposited,  in  whose  charge  they  are,  and  the  quantity 
and  quality  of  the  same?  Spare  no  pains  in  your  details,  so  that  the  commit- 
tee may  have  the  whole  facts  before  them. 

QUESTION     FOURTH, 


II, 


and  nvinitions  of  war  ar^denositnd.  in  wlinsn  p.harnrt-»  th.-»v  nrp..  and  thn.  mmut i t v 


Oi 


lioctiestcr^  Jfiarch  ^'ind.  18,19.      S 


mplete  replies 
sarly  a  day  aj 
committee  ap- 
1  inst.,  at  this 
T  a  coiivGnt.on 
,ry  last,  acting 
permit. 

I  the  r.iembers 

It  has   been 

f  that  boJy,  as 

J  or'^^anizalion, 
t  is  at  present 
:  the  public. 

in.d  service  ia 
ity,  or  can  be 
as  accurately 
n  this  respect, 
icorning  arms, 
3Slion  in  your 


y  carried  into 
kctt's  Harbor, 
other  places, 
el  of  war,  an; 
deposited  and 
th  all  partiou- 
rder  that  the 
he  whole  mu- 


able  condition 
d  New  Bruns- 
redress,  th^:^ 
bodies  of  all 
sh  dominions, 
ind  fishermen. 
)Oth  Canadian 
r,  indicate  the 
ir  true  friends 
'  approaching 
lunteers— and 
10  doubt  of  its 


d  detained  on 
chlosser,  De- 
or  their  depu- 
varictv  of  oc- 
re  those  arms 
d  the  quantity 
t  the  commit- 


means.  but,  raised  from  tlu  associations  they  can  be  burdensome  to  none,  and 
the  money  that  may  be  transmitted  to  our  Treasurer,  at  the  order  of  the  kecrel 
committee,  will  be  strictly  acciunted  for. 

Our  finance  committee  will  take  an  early  opportunity  to  submit  to  your  ex- 
ecutive body  o|'  [\w2  a  plan  believed  to  be  eificient  \o  secure  for  the  future  the 
funds  raised  by  the  associations,  in  these  States,  to  their  legitimate  and  proper 
uses,  wiih  strict  accoiintabilitv  and  no  violations  of  secrecy. 

The  sun  of  $  2,0;)0  will  llEQUlIll^-J  f)-«>m  those  of  your  societies  who  can 
spare  it.  t'30  down  to  $20— from  smaller  societies  $  10  or  -1(5,  ac(;ording  t'> 
their  numk-rs  and  ability.  The  certificate  of  our  Treasurer  and  confidential 
Secretarv,  dulv  numbered,  dated,  and  entered  on  our  boolvs  of  I'ecord,  will  be 
the  only  proper  voucher  to  your  Treasurers  for  the  payment  of  the  sums  you 
may  respectively  vote  to  our  use,  and  transmit  to  llocliestor,  which  sums 
wo'beg  vou  to  send  withou*  delay,  as  there  is  URGI'jNT  NECESSITY  for 
the  imm'ediati  expiMiditure  of  a  pari  of  the  proceeds.  Without  money,  small 
as  mav  bo  ih.^  amount  required,'  the  most  important  affairs  of  this  association 
cannot  progress  to  advantage.  'Jo  enable  us  to  serve  our  country  effectually, 
there  must'bo  c:)nridonce  reposed  l)y  y<»u  in  those  who  have  sacrificed  home  and 
properly,  and  nskod  life  for  the  love  of  that  freedom  you  already  possess. 

SUGGESTION. 

We  are  of  O'pinion  that  tlse  time  hastens  in  which  a  large  sum  will  require  to 
be  raised  by  the  societies,  and  w.;  t!i;;rtdbrc  entreat  you,  on  behalf  of  Canada, 
to  exort  yourselves  in  C'jlleeting  -unS.  husbanding  well  the  necessary  means  for 
conductii'iL;  ature  and  more  extended  operations,  of  which  the  outline  can 
oniy  be  surmised  by  the  preparations  indicated  in  this  circular. 

SECRECY. 

If  the  whole  of  the  plans  of  the  executive  committee  of  your  associations, 
and  the  secret  committee  of  ours,  were  to  be  developed  to  your  members, 
common  smise  and  t!ie  experience  of  the  last  eighteen  months  might  show  that 
they  would  at  onci  find  th -ir  way  into  the  cabinets  of  our  enemies.  So  nu- 
merous, plausible,  accomplished,  and  hypocritically  disguised  are  the  SPIES 
employed  bv  the  British  alinistcr  at  Washington,  the  British  Consuls,  and  Sirs 
Geor  3  Arthur  and  Job nT'il borne,  that  in  many  matters  it  will  be  abeolutely 
necessarv  that  vou  shouki4apo?e  confidence  in  the  prudence  and  judgment  of 
the  committee  of  our  and  your  choice,  witliout  asking  all  to  be  developed,  or,  m 
other  words,  balHed. 

MODE  OF  ANS>VERING  OUR  QUESTIONS. 

Where  one  or  two  mombers  of  vour  society  cannot  undertake  the  task  of 
an.^werin^r  all  the  questions  in  this  let'ter,  perhaps  we  ma}  suggest  the  ready  ex- 
pediento'f  referring  particular  parts  of  it  to  eificient  committees  ot  the  members, 
as  in  legislative  prcceedinirs,  whoso  reports  might  be  sent  to  this  office  as  spec- 
dilv  as  tliev  could  be  obtained  and  approved.  ,       •     j     i       v 

And  the  convention,  and  this  committee  acting  under  it,  do  hereby  recom- 
mend to  every  member  of  the  societies  who  can  communicate  with  the  confiden- 
tial Secretary,  to  make  known,  umhr  the  seal  of  good  faith  and  secren,,  every 
political  fact  of  an  important  nature,  which  he  may  think  hko  y  to  prov'e  advan- 
tageous  to  the  cause  of  Canada,  or  as  shewing  the  policv  ol  the  United  States, 
the  French,  the  Russian,  or  any  other  government,  or  of  the  several  rulors  on 
the  opposite  shores  of  ihe  great  lakes. 

SPIES  AND  INFORMERS. 

It  appears  to  ua  that  the  dreadful  ciimes  which  this  class  of  persons  have  aided 
the  British  <rovcrnmcnt  in  perpetrating  in  Ireland,  England,  .--Gotland,  Jind  Can- 
ada, should  Induce  each  societv  to  set  apart  a  special  committee  to  convey  to 
this  central  office,  from  time  t^)  time,  every  I'ACT  within  lh.;ir  kn.nvledge,  ra- 
ative  to  sui(>s  and  inforiv)r^.   in  every  part  of  this  Union  ;  togeth.M-  with  all 


n  nimntitv 


and  iniuitiona  oi'  war  ai 


positer],  in  wliosc  charge  thav  are,  and  the 


f|uantity 

and  fjinlity  of  the  sama?     Sj)ar3  no  pains  in  your  djtails,  so  that  the  coniinit- 
loe  may  iiavc  the  whole  facts  before  tliem. 

QUKSTION     FOUItTH, 

Tl  is  vastly  important  that  tho  committee  should  be  in  possession  of  the  names 
age  and  qualifications  of  any  military  men  in  your  neighborhood,  who  have 
Been  service  ;  you  stating  what  description  of'servicc,  and  in  what  capacity 
the  individual  served,  and  whether  he  is  friendly  to  the  patriot  cause  in  Cana- 
da ?  Or,  if  members  of  tho  society  arc  aware  of  some  gallant  Von  Schultz, 
cither  in  your  or  any  other  neighborhood,  of  whose  services,  prowess,  and  ex- 
perioncj  the  Canadians  might  lioreafter  avail  themselves,  let  them  hasten  to 
convey  to  us  the  very  desirable  information. 

QUESTION    FIFTH. 

]n  case  the  people  of  Canada  xhall  give  indications  that  they  are  determined 
to  struggle,  as  the  fathers  of  this  republic  struggled,  against  British  oppression, 
by  planting  the  standard  of  freedom  on  their  own  soil,  and  rallying  round  it, 
what  h'.ilp  are  they  to  expect  from  your  society  or  neighborhood,  in  MEN  and 
ARMS  ?  Be  pK'ascd  at  th  >  earliest  possible  day  to  send  us  a  table  with  the 
following  particulars : 

Nauios  of  volunteers  in  the  township  of who  would  be 

ready,  in  case  5,000  mnn  joinod  them  on  this  side,  to  go  into  Canada,  armed  as 
l!i,^  soldiers  of  freedom,  as  soon  as  the  Canadians  should  have  planted  the  stan- 
dard on  tlioir  own  soil,  rallied  round  itl^'and  sought  their  assistance. 

In  the  table  state  what  arms  each  mai  has  ;  what  means  he  has  of  transport- 
ing hi:nself  to  a  place  of  rendezvous  ;  ^d  mark  with  a  star  the  names  of  auy 
who  have  served  in  tho  armies  of  this^dnion,  England,  or  any  other  power, 
stating  thn  rank  hold  in  the  same. 

Ill  all  cases  where  the  society  is  located  more  than  SO  miles  from  the  Canada 
frontier,  inform  this  committee  as  t  >  the  pecuniary  means  of  transportation 
which  the  volunteers  you  may  name  have  to  carry  themselves  to  the  said 
frontier. 

FUNDS  ON  LOAN. 

Whoi'c  any  member  can  suggest  a  way  in  which  ample  funds  could  be  raised 
for  tlri  future,  he  should  do  so  by  letter,  addressed  to  the  confidential  Secre- 
tary, ut  Rochester. 

SOCIETIF.S  OF  FRIENDS  OF  CANADA. 

Wc  are  but  imp3rfectly  infar  n3d  as  to  the  location  and  ofRse-bearers  of 
many  ofthsse  socie'ies  in  the  United  States.  Convey  to  us  such  local  infor- 
mation to  be  depended  on  as  may  be  within  your  power. 

REQUEST. 

The  Canadian  refugees  are  poor.  The  object  of  your  societies  is  to  aid  Canada. 
Your  convention  at  Auburn  has  requested  the  refugees  to  organize  themselves, 


I 


discretion  of  their  secret  committee,  a  sum  of  at  least  $  2,000  would  require  to 
ba  immediately  raised  by  your  societies— for  expenses  of  agents  in  Canada  and 
these  States,  and  other  outlays  of  that  committee,  which  cannot  be  disclosed 
here,  but  will  be  submitted  to  your  executive  committee  of  five,  whose  head- 
quarters, or  ordinary  place  f)f  meeting,  should  (we  think)  be  at  Rochester — for 
travelling  expenses,  agents  to  Canada,  printing  of  reports,  postages,  stationary, 
bocks  of  record  and  account,  olRca  rent,  thc^hire  of  one  or  more  clerks  from 
time  to  time,  and  other  expenses  not  proper  to  be  here  stated.  These  and  other  jj  "lent,  for 
jncid'jiital   charges  cannot    be  borne  hv  a  few  indivlrlnala  nut  nf  iha\r  ^rixrqtp  H      At  the 


As  the 

that  som 
advantag 


ing  It 


nd  the  quantity 
at  the  conriinit- 


n  of  the  names 
od,  who  have 
what  capacity 
iause  in  Cana- 
t  Von  Schultz, 
owess,  and  cx- 
hem  hasten  to 


ire  determined 
sh  oppression, 
i^ing  round  it, 
I,  in  MEM  and 

table  with  the 

who  would  be 
ada,  armed  as 
inted  the  stan- 
e. 

s  of  transport- 
names  of  any 
other  power, 

Dm  the  Canada 
transportation 
3S  to   the  said 


ould  bs  raised 
Jential  Secre- 


33-b3arers  of 
;h  local  infor- 


to  aid  Canada. 
e  themselves, 
T/icy  have 
jrs  of  Canada, 
•usted  to  the 
Id  require  to 
1  Canada  and 
t  be  disclosed 
whose  head- 
•chester — for 
s,  stationary, 


It  appears  to  us  that  the  dreadful  ci  iincs  which  this  class  of  pr-rsous  have  aided 
the;  British  i^^ovfTument  in  p 'rpotrating  in  Ireland,  England,  Scotland  «nd  Can- 
ada, should  iuduco  each  societv  to  set  apart  a  special  cor»ri;ittoe  to  fx»nvey  IQ 
this  central  oflico,  from  timo  to  time,  every  T'ACT  within  Ih^jir  kn-iwlcdgc,  ra- 
ative  to  spicks  and  inform-rs.  in  every  part  of  this  Union  ;  together  with  all 
original  letters  and  corresp  )ndeiico  to  prove  any  such  fact. 

LABOR   FOR  REFUGEES. 

As  there  are  thousands  of  refugees  out  of  employment,  banished,  liable  to  b» 
s?nt  to  aduntreon  if  they  return  to  their  homes  and  families,  and  desf>oiled  of  all 
their  possessions,  it  would  be  grateful  to  the  convention  and  to  the  Canadian 
refug^'e--,  if  friends  of  Canada,  in  or  out  of  the  societies,  not  more  than  eighty 
nvlcs  fr'nn  the  froniier,  would  communicate  to  this  office  the  places  where  oni- 
ploymont  of  an  agricultural  or  mechanical  nature  is  to  be  obtained  within  the 
aforesaid  distance.  It  is  desirable  that,  in  case  of  a  movement  in  Canada,  tlio 
refuixees  should  be  as  conveniently  located  as  possible,  in  case  they  should  fceJ 
inclined  to  take  part  in  it. 

ADVICE  ON  MILITAR\    AFFAIRS. 

"In  the  multitude  of  counsellors  there  is  safety."  Those  members  of  tho 
societies  who  feel  qualified  to  offer  us  advice  on  any  point  ot  fut-ire  military 
or  other  operations,  or  who  have  any  suggestions  to  make,  or  any  society  wlio 
will  be  pleased  to  do  so.  collectively,  their  communications  will  be  gratefully 
and  respectfully  received    and  duly  considered  in  all  their  bearings. 

Every  letter!^  statement,  or  other  communication  in  answer  to  this  confiden- 
tial circular,  or  to  any  part  of  it,  or  on  any  business  of  the  society  whatever, 
should  b-  addressed'  to  *'  /;'  TiUaiTrh.  Mackenzie,  RocJu-.ter,  N.  K,"  he  bein'j 
the  confidential  Secretaiyof  the  society.  But  letters,  enclosing  MONEY 
for  the  society's  use.  should  in  all  cases  be  directed  (not  to  Mr.  Mackenzie,  but) 
to  *'  S:imuel  Mrmlson,  Rochester,  N.  Y.,"  who  is  the  Treasurer  of  the  society. 

Letters  should  be  properly  sealed  ;  and  when  a  very  sure  and  speedy  priyata 
opportunity  does  not  present  itself,  the  United  States'  Mails  oiler  a  safe  and 
desirable  mode  of  conveyance.  Letters  may  be  post-paid,  if  the  sender  is  in 
funds. 

Vou  will  have  seen  that  this  circular  has  reference  to  preliminary  mat- 
ters, and  that  its  chief  objerl  is  to  obtain  that  accura^te  information  without 
which  active  .operations  would  be  mere  guess  work.  The  great  probability  of 
a  general  war,  and  the  vote  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  tho 
United  States,  to  raise  50,000  volunteers,  if  required,  indicate  the  expedienco 
and  propriety  of  collecting  information,  to  be  used  only  with  a  constant  and  scru- 
pulous regard  to  the  laws  and  institutions  of  this  nation  and  the  several  States. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  faithful  servant, 

\\  M.  L.  MACKENZIE, 

Secretari/. 

Approved  in  Convention  on 
the  22nd  of  March  1839. 

JOHN  MONTGOMERY,  President. 


EXPLANATORY  NOTE, 

As  the  above  circular  refers  to  a  brief  account  of  the  convention  accompany- 
ing it,  I  append  this  note  of  proceedings  for  your  information.  Time  will  show 
that  some  of  our  proceedings,  which  I  am  not  permitied^to  disclose,  must  bo 
clerks  from  |l  advantageous  to  Canada.  Great  care  and  delicacy  are  ^  necessary  at  this  mo- 
;se  and  other '"">ent,  for  we  are  surrounded  with  hired  sr>ies  of  the  British  government, 
thoir  private  ■!     At  the  anoointed  time  and  nlace.  March  21st.  at  the   Hall  of  the  Friends  of 


Canailuiii  J.iu.'»rty,  sixty  delegates  ai->j  iihl-.l,  oAa  afior  appoiutiug  Christopher 
Head  of  Lovvur  Catiad-i,  Cliainnaii  tor  thj  d-.iy,  and  3.  i^  lUrl,  litdilA-  oi'  Ui.i 
I^wiston  Telegraph,  uud  J.ls.  iVlaclcon.'.io,  LOditor  ol  i:*j  Ljckporl  f'i-o.j;niij's 
Advocate,  Sycroturics,  agrvijed  to  rucei/j  coin:nunicaliuns,  WAaaiAius  i;-om 
several  iVieods  in  Canada,  arid  elsovvhero,  and  Irom  dcL-gutcs  who  luuud  l.ijiu- 
selvcsunablu  to  attoud,  were  read.  AUj  a  letlor  iroui  lUr.  Charucr,  bujro- 
taryoflhe  Lower  Canada  Convention  and  Associa  iuij,MnJ  .sjmicj  ro])0!-i.s  wincii 
it  would  not  be  prudent  to  refer  to  m  a  conimunicatioa  about  to  be  priiitod  and 
circulated.  One  of  the  delegates  to  the  convention  ol' i«'nends  of  Canada  at  Au- 
burn, h;;id  in  January  ia^t,  uifunnad  the  mjinbers  tliat  it  was  the  unaniniuus  re- 
quest of  the  delegates  i>>  that  con  von  nun  t;iat  the  Uutiadians  biioald  theaiselves 
meet  and  ionn  au  association,  with  a  speciui  camiinit.v;  oi'  w.ium  their  oiuf^uis 
might  actii:  friendly  concert  for  tlie  benelit  of  Canada. 

A  special  committee  consisting  of  John  Stewart  Jr.  of  Esquesing,  Ira  Smith 
of  Niagara,  S.  i\  Hart  of  Belleville,  Keuban  Hudson  oi  VVmtoy,  Jotin  Mont- 
gomery of  York,  John  Smyies,  David  McKay,  C.  ii.  Graha  n,  and  others  also 
tlien  present,  whose  naiiies  it  would  be  imprudent  to  mention  here,  were  ap- 
pointed to  draft  a  Constitution  for  the  Canadian  Association,  and  from  then- 
report  1  extract  the  following  resolution,  which,  with  many  otiiurs,  Vv'as  unan- 
imously adopted. 

''Rfsoloed,  That  a  society  be  now  constituted  from  among  inhabifants  of  Can- 
ada, who  have  left  that  country  within  the  las:  two  years,  or  who  are  refugees 
from  thence,  or  emigrants  from  political  causes,  or  wiio  having  been  bora  liri- 
tish  subjects  are  desirous  of  aiding  the  Canadians  in  the  aclnevcment  of  inde- 
pendence of  British  political  power  ;  and  that  said  society  be  called  the  '  Ca- 
nadian Association.' 

And  we  declare  that  objects  for  which  this  Association  are  established,  are  — 

1.  To  aid  in  obtaining  for  the  people  of  the  Aorth  American  Colonies  the 
iunrestricted  power  to  choose  their  form  of  government,  by  means  of  conven- 
tions of  delegates  of  their  appointment,  whose  acts  should  afterwards  obtain 
their  concurrence  ;  and  to  assist  by  all  lawful  means  in  removing  Irom  this 
northern  continent  the  cruel  yoke  of  the  British  government. 

2.  To  prevent  as  far  as  possible  hasty  and  ill-planned  expeditions  or  attacks 
upon  parts  of  the  Canadas,  designed  or  begun  by,  or  in  t/ie  name  of  Canadian 
refugees,  or  of  persons  in  Canada. 

3.  To  discountenance  publicly  and  privately  all  burnkigs  of  private  property 
in  Canada,  and  all  attempts  on  the  life  of  any..p"r''on  Aintrii>fl  and,  unconvicted 
of  crime,  however 'deserving  of  condemnation  anG  drlf     j  the  Canadians. 

4.  To  discountenance  all  attempts  to  invade  the  CaPadas  Irom  these  States, 
so  long  as  the  government  and  legislature  of  the  Union  shall  consider  this  na- 
Bion  bound  by  treaties  to  abstain  from  such  invasions. 

5.  To  act  in  concert  with  any  benevolent  and  patriotic  society  or  societies 
Mrithin  this  State  or  any  of  the  United  States,  formed  or  to  be  formed  to  aid  the 
Canadian  people  by  all  lawful  means  in  obtaining  relief  from  the  British  yoke, 
-or  who  may  be  associated  for  the  purpose  of  relieving^  those  who  have  been 
forced  in  the  hour  of  distress  to  seek  refuge  in  this  free  country  from  the  heavy 
hand  of  British  tyranny. 


177-7 

,      0.  To  convc] 

,'  among  the  rofui^ 
!j  tion  for  th:;ir  ol 

i  7.  *      ^ 

I      S.  And  lastly 

;  power  in  Cunud 

I  oie  rolbrinoi's,  jj 

I  wliolc)  inutvidua 

!  vent  tho  liice  cr 

(si,e  is  to  se."  Ci 

ill  oth^r,-;  u  rj';o 

I  alter  tlic.r  p<.)\\'( 

bi'iug  ijto  o;>u'i\i 

''  lo  do  unt  »  U.S,  v\ 

I     John  M  nitgo 

j  the  conlidjntial 

I  members  were ; 

The  society  ;; 

uel  iVioulson  of 

ment  for  refugf 

to  enquire  into  i 

,  assist  in  forming 

i  The  members  t 

I  Stewart  of  Esq 

!  not  yet  said  he 

'  hers.     The  oth( 

Messrs.  Asa 

committee  to  co 

and  oflering  oiu 

lines,  to  aid  tiie 

on  behalf  of  Ar 

One  of  the  re 

of  Upper  Cana( 

ted  to  give  all 

The  above  cii 

mate  and  tried 

are  alsodirectec 

on  a  most  impo 

And  it  was  r 

ces,  and  state  ti 

sures  they  took 

arms.     Five  the 

are  placed  in  JV 

Canadian  refi 

now  resident  in 

letter  (post-paid 

Rochester,  N 


toplier 

iS  i;'uai 

l.iJlU- 

wiiicii 
vjd  and 
m  Au- 
L>us  rc- 

ISi.'lv'CS 

kSmith 
iVlo  ai- 
rs alsu 
I'o  at)- 
1  their 

I  unan- 

fCan- 

fugees 

II  liri- 
'  inde- 

are  — 
es  the 
)nven- 
obtain 
m  this 

ttacks 
iiadian 

Dperty 
victed 
ns. 

kales, 
lis  na- 

cieties 

lid  the 

yoke, 

been 

heavy 


177-7 

,  0.  To  c.->nyey  to  soniii  rx-utral  pUca,  (or  the  benefit  of  the  Jaborini/  ciassei 
,^  among  la-  rcfugjes,  all  llio  information  that  can  bo  obtained  as  to  the  bestsilua- 
ijtion  lv>r  th.;iroDiaining  tomporary  employment. 


/. 


8.  And  lastly,  to  profit  by  the  example  of  tiiose  who  have  recent!  v  exercised 

wer  in  Canada,  to  imprison,  murdor,  hang,  rob,  and  banish  worthy  andestima- 

e  roiormors.  and    Kind  and   g.merous  ihends   and  neighbors,  by  exerting  our 

Hole)  muividnui  and  united  indnencc-.  when  Canada  shall  become  free  to  nre- 


jiuie 

ij  .  —-  .^  ....... .  "..^..  v^a.iu..^a  suctu  uuuuiue  ireo,  to  pre 

I  \unt  tiio  like  cnjjl  trvjaiment  oi  the  Urangem;,'ii  and  loyalists.     Our  earnest  de- 
h  SI,  e  IS  to  soj  Canada  ireu  and  happy,  not  .u  indulge  in  oursjlve    or  cn.-ouraffe 
uiouun^  a  rjvcngctut  and  bitter  spirit  against  our  known  or  supposed  enemies 
.aitor  tiio.r  power  lo  oppjo.s  our  country  shall  have  been  taken  away,  but   to 
1  bring  ijto  opuiMuon  thj  ciinstiun  rule,  to  do  unto  others  as  we  would  wish  them 
'  10  do  unl>  u^,  wore  luoy  in  our  situation  or  circumstances,  and  we  in  theirs  " 
1     Jonn  Mnitgoniery  was  elected  the  President,  and  William  Lvon  Mackenzie 
the  conhdjntial  .:iecrc'tary  ol  the  association,  and  an  executive  council  oi'  twenty 
I  members  were  appointed,  all  but  three  being  present  and  consentincr  to  serve 
1  he  society  also  appointed  four  Vice  Presidents  and  a  Treasurer^(Mr  Sami 
uel  iVioulson  of  Rochester,  j  and  hve  special  committees— one  to  obtain  employ- 
ment for  refugees,  consising  of  Messrs.  McKay,  Montgomery  and  Falls---one 
to  enquire  into  the  characters  of  proposed  members— one  of  Finance— one  to 
assist  in  forming  auxiliary  societies,  and  a  secret  committe  of  correspondence 
I  The  membars  oi  the  committee  last  named  are  Dr.   Rolph,  Mr.  Graham  Mr 
I  Stewart  of  Esquesing,  myself  and  another.     Of  the  first  four  the  Doctor  has 
I  not  yet  said  he    he    would  undertake  the  arduous  duties  imposed   on  the  mem- 
bers.    The  others  are  willing.     To  that  committee  1  also  am  Secretary 

Messrs.  Asa  VVixson,  Smitti,  Davison,  Doolittle,  and  Shell,  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  consider  and  report  to  the  council  the  practicability  of  embodvinff 
and  oflering  one  or  more  regiments  of  Upper  Canadians,  from  both  sides  of  the 
lines,  to  aid  the  patriotic  Governor  of  x\laine  in  the  republican  stand  he  is  taking 
on  behalf  of  American  freedom.  ° 

One  of  the  resolutions  adopts  a  plan  for  obtaining  information  of  the  condition 
of  Upper  Canada,  civil  and  mi  itary,  and  on  this  subject  you  are  also  reques- 
ted to  give  all  the  intelligence  in  your  power. 

The  above  circular  has  been  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  societies  and  to  inti- 
mate and  tried  friends,  although  not  members.  The  correspondinff  committee 
are  also, directed  to  c(^mmunicale  ^r*:  ^^^<':-*%an,  Maine,  and  Vermdnt. 
on  a  most  important  subject.  %n]- 

And  it  was  resolved  that  a  committee  do  draw  up  a  declaration  of  grievan- 
ces, and  state  the  object  the  reformers  of.  Canada  had  in  view,  and  ♦he  mea- 
sures they  took  to  obtain  justice  from  England,  before  they  had  recourse  to 
arms.  Five  thousand  copies  will  be  printed  and  circulated  as  soon  as  funds 
are  placed  in  Mr.  Moulson's  hands  to  defray  the  expense. 

Canadian  refugees,  who   have  been  engaged  in    the  late  struggle,  and  are 
now  resident  in  this  Union,  should  report  themselves  to  the  society  here,  by 
letter  (post-paid  if  they  are  able)  to  my  address. 
Rochester,  N.  Y.,  March  90.  W.  L.  M'K. 


-J»63.-*. 


